Overview

Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body, and sometimes also on both the mucous membranes and the retina.[1] The average age of onset is in the mid-20s.[2] It is generally considered to be an autoimmune disorder, and about 20-25 percent of people with vitiligo also have at least one other autoimmune disorder. In the absence of other conditions, vitiligo does not affect general health; however, concerns about appearance and ethnic identity are significant issues for many affected individuals.[2] The exact cause of vitiligo is not known, but there are several different theories. There is strong evidence that people with vitiligo inherit a group of genes that make them susceptible to depigmentation. The main goal of treating vitiligo is to improve appearance; current treatment options include medication, surgery, and adjunctive therapies (used along with surgical or medical treatments).[1]

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